Zephaniah, 3
4. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous men; Her priests profane what is holy, and do violence to the law.
4. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous men; Her priests profane what is holy, and do violence to the law.
Chapter 3 of Sophonies begins with a description of the sins of Jerusalem and the consequences that will come because of them. However, from verse 9, there is a change of tone and the prophet begins to speak of the restoration that God will bring to his people. He promises that the remnants of Israel will be purified and renewed, and that they will praise God with joy. Below are five verses from other books in the Bible that relate to the topics covered in Sophonies 3:
Isaiah 1:18: "Come, let's reflect together," says the Lord. "Although their sins are red as scarlet, they will become white like snow; although they are rubber like purple, as wool will become." This verse speaks of the purification that God offers to sinners who repent, just as Sophonies talks about the purification of the remnant of Israel.
Psalm 51:10: "Creates in me a pure heart, O God, and renews within me a stable spirit." This verse also talks about purification and renewal, asking God to transform the heart and spirit of the psalmist.
Isaiah 12:1: "In that day you will say, 'I praise you, Lord! For you were angry against me, but your wrath has deviated, and you have consoled me.'" This verse speaks of the joy that the people of God will feel When he receives his mercy and comfort, just as Sophonies promises that the remnant of Israel will praise God with joy.
Isaiah 43:19: "See, I'm doing something new! She is already emerging! You don't recognize it? Even in the desert will make a way and streams in the wilderness." This verse speaks of the renewal and the new things that God will do, just as Sophonies promises that God will renew His people.
Isaiah 60:18: "It will never be heard of violence in your land, nor destruction or ruin within your borders. You will call your walls and praise your doors." This verse speaks of the peace and security God will bring to his people, just as Sophonies promises that God will restore and protect the remnant of Israel.
“Vive-se de fé, não de sonhos.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
